“LinkedIn” To Networking Building the bridge from social networking to your job search.

What is Social Networking? *An Individual online profile all about you. *Depending on the Domain Social networking sites can serve all sorts of purposes.

LinkedIn Advantages LinkedIn is a social networking website designed for professionals. Create a good impression without even having to meet someone. If used properly, fuels career goals, and networking strength. Not just for the Jobseeker, great way to keep up with current trends and news.

Getting Started www.linkedin.com Creating Your Professional Profile “Users with complete profiles are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn.”

Upload A Resume Users can upload their resume to fill out their LinkedIn profile. Advantages include: Showing up in more searches that prospective employers run. Having more compatible recommended jobs show up on your side bar. Getting a listing of past and present colleagues to enhance your network.

Profile Strength & Network The more skills, expertise, and recommendations you have the stronger your profile will be. The Stronger your profile the better Your Network consists of the individuals that you are “connected” to and their connections. The larger your Network the better

Making Connections LinkedIn Connections should represent your “Real World” Connections. Colleagues Friends Classmates Business Partners Important: It is great to add connections because it enhances your network; however, if you add people who indicate they do not know you LinkedIn has the right to lock you out.

Your previous Professor Sally How your Network works! Networks Consist of first, second, and third connections You Your Coworker Julie Your boss Mark Your previous Professor Sally 3rd Connection 2nd Connection 1st Connection Julie’s Connection Tom Tom’s Connections Mark’s Connection Lisa Lisa’s Connection Sally’s Connection Joy Joy’s Connections

Ask for recommendations from colleagues, and business partners. “*** is an energetic and very knowledgeable HR professional. I've worked with ** * in our local SHRM chapter and he has always presented creative ideas and is very dependable with his follow through.” Lori- Resource Room Specialist The Employment Source April 2011 Recommendations are followed by the name and professional position of the person who posted it and the date.

Recommendations Make professional recommendations for individuals in your network.

Job Postings The jobs that LinkedIn recommend for you are based on the experience you provide. Search for jobs by keyword, company, or industry.

Job Insider Toolbar Download into your browser and view LinkedIn connections with past or present experience in companies you’re interested in.

Groups *Join Groups, with topics that are of interest and concern to you. *Keep up-to-date on the latest news and trends of specific issues.

Inbox/Messages This is how you communicate with other professionals on LinkedIn. Send Messages to reconnect with past colleagues, friends, or business partners. It is like sending an email, only doing it through LinkedIn.

Companies Follow companies that you have an interest in. Great way to research a company before an interview. Find out what people hold what positions. Keep current with changes and possible openings going on within a particular company.

Questions & Answers Post professional inquiries on LinkedIn, and have them answered by experts.

For Your Information Be aware of what you post on all Social Networking Domains. Employers can run Social Networking background checks. When doing a Google search on someone, LinkedIn should be one of the first results to come up. Let your first impression be a good one!